December 8, 2003
JAG Headquarters – Falls Church, Virginia
0853 Eastern
Harm entered the conference room early for staff call, not really surprised to see that he was still the last to arrive even after making sure to be early. He took the open seat next to Sturgis, across from Bud. Mac hardly spared him a glance before returning her attention to her papers. The door opened to admit Colonel Cresswell before anyone could speak. After going over the current cases, he turn to the topic of new cases.
"I won't be handing out new cases today, because of the pending orders for Colonel MacKenzie, Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Roberts. I've arranged with SECNAV to have cases diverted to the various NLSOs for the time being, since I don't want to have to switch attorneys in the middle of a case. Therefore, I need you to make certain you've spoken with Commander Manetti and do so ASAP. Inform me immediately following that," Cresswell said.
"I have already spoken to the Commander, Sir," Mac said, her tone of voice flat.
"As have I, Sir," Bud added.
"And you, Commander?"
"Just before I came in here, Sir," Harm said.
"Excellent. I'll let you all know as soon as I receive your new orders," Cresswell said before standing to leave the room, the others rising as he did.
"So, give. Where are you all going from here?" Sturgis asked.
"Well, Harriet and I discussed the choices I was offered and I'll be taking an instructor's position at Annapolis in January. The kids are settled here, we've got a wonderful house. It just felt right to stay in the area," Bud said. "How about you, Ma'am?"
"I'll be the new deputy SJA at MARFORPAC in Hawaii as of 2 January 2004," Mac said. "It will give me a chance to get some staff experience, plus get me back with Marines and away from squids."
"Very funny, Mac," Sturgis told her. "And that just leaves you, Harm?"
"That will depend on the outcome of my meeting with SECNAV this afternoon," Harm said.
"And just why are you meeting with SECNAV?" Mac asked, stunned.
"I resubmitted my resignation and not less than ten minutes after I faxed it, I got a phone call from Manetti informing me that I have an appointment with SECNAV at 1600."
"Harm, as much as you might have disliked the Admiral bringing you back the way he did, the basic truth still exists. JAG is dangerously short-staffed in key areas, too many officers are leaving the Navy and not enough are coming in to replace them. Do you know that when he requested your involuntary recall, there were fifteen other officers also recalled," Mac said.
"And I'm not indifferent to those issues. But I also have personal reasons for not being able to accept any of the posts currently being offered to me. Mattie's hearing is on Wednesday and I can't make a decision until that is decided, then there's my…." Harm started to add before stopping mid-sentence.
"Your what, Harm?" Sturgis asked, wondering.
"I'm getting married," Harm blurted, unable to stop himself. A look at Mac showed her face had gone white, before he was being congratulated by Bud and Sturgis. Mac silently slipped from the room, now glad to be leaving JAG and wondering if she could apply for leave before assuming her new posting. Going to her office, she closed the door and locked it, followed by lowering the blinds.
SECNAV's office – The Pentagon
1558 Eastern
Harm had been waiting in the outer office for about ten minutes. The walk from the security checkpoint had been under the supervision on a Marine corporal, whose appearance and bearing impressed Harm. He had also obviously done this before, as the maze of halls had quickly confused Harm. It was almost as bad as being aboard a carrier for the first time.
The SECNAV's assistant, who occupied a desk opposite from where he sat, had offered him a cup of coffee when he had first entered. Harm had politely declined, worried that he might accidentally spill some on him or something. Rather, he tried to calm his nerves about the imminent meeting, while also attempting to organize his thoughts.
Finally, the inner office door opened and Harm was bidden to enter by Commander Manetti. It was only when he came into the office that he noticed that there were other people there besides the SECNAV. Standing behind the SECNAV were the CNO and Colonel Cresswell, while Commander Manetti had remained in the room and was following him. Stopping before the SECNAV's desk, Harm snapped to attention.
"Commander Rabb, reporting as ordered, Sir," Harm said.
"At ease, Commander," SECNAV said, as he stood. "In fact, why don't we all sit down and we can talk," he continued as he moved to a corner of the office where a large sofa and some chairs were arranged. Harm and Tracy sat down on the couch after the others had taken the chairs.
"Commander Rabb, I received your resignation request this morning along with some explanation from Commander Manetti about it being a personal matter. I'm afraid that I can't accept your resignation without more information," SECNAV said.
"Commander, from reading your personnel records, the evaluations submitted of you and also the work you did in the Imes review, I see an officer destined for greater things," Colonel Cresswell told Harm. "As has the O-6 promotions board. They reported out this morning and you're number 2 on the list."
"So, you see, Commander," SECNAV said. "We're not ready to lose an officer of your demonstrated caliber without a fight. Hell, in my opinion, your resignation should have never been processed in the first place."
"You mean I shouldn't have been allowed to go after Colonel MacKenzie and Mister Webb, Sir?" Harm asked, a slight touch of anger in his voice.
"No, I mean you should have been granted leave or placed on TDY, Commander. Something else I intend on fixing is the six months you were gone. Your time with our friends at Langley will be put down as TDY, while the rest will be covered as leave. So, according to your records, you never left the Navy."
"Mr. Secretary, I'm very honored. But I still intend to resign, because there have been some changes in my life that may require my staying in the area," Harm said.
"Well, I know there was at least one position on the list you were given that would keep you in the area," the CNO said.
"Yes, the Assistant SJA post with the Joint Chiefs, Sir. Admiral, I'm not very good at pushing paper and anyone who knows me can tell you that."
"I can understand that, Commander. I'm not much of a fan of paperwork, either," the CNO said.
"What exactly are those changes, Commander?" SECNAV asked. "Maybe we can figure something out?"
"Well, I'm in the process of adopting a teenager, Sir. If that fails, I'll be seeking guardianship for her, which would mean we couldn't leave Virginia while I have guardianship. Also, I'm getting married on Christmas Eve to an instructor at the Naval Academy," Harm told them.
At that, the SECNAV and the CNO shared a look and smiled, while Colonel Cresswell and Commander Manetti offered their congratulations. The SECNAV and CNO both quickly joined in with their well wishes.
"And who is the lovely lady who has succeeded in claiming you, Commander?" Manetti asked.
"Her name is Elizabeth Hawkes, she was my RIO when I flew off the Patrick Henry with the Raptors. She's a Lieutenant Commander teaching Aeronautical Engineering at the Academy," Harm replied.
"Commander, can I make you an offer?" SECNAV asked, thinking quickly as things fell into place. "Why don't we table your resignation for the moment? Please, hear me out," he said, seeing Harm about to interrupt. "I know I told you I needed a decision ASAP, but why not wait and see what happens with the adoption. When is that due to be decided?"
"There's a hearing on Wednesday, Sir."
"Alright, then why don't you contact Commander Manetti by Thursday and let us know what happened. If the adoption is successful, would you be willing to accept the FJA post in London? We could have your wife posted to the Defense Attaché's office, under spousal co-location," SECNAV added, a smile on his face.
"Yes, I would," Harm said, knowing there really wasn't any other answer. From his take on the conversation, the SECNAV wasn't going to accept his resignation. So, if everything worked out, why not take what promised to be a great post and a great experience for Mattie. He just hoped that Beth and Mattie would see things that way. With that thought came another and Harm flashed a quick glance at his watch, seeing to his horror that it was already after 1700. He simply couldn't be late for the home visits scheduled that evening.
Fortunately, the meeting didn't last much longer as the SECNAV's assistant came in to remind him of a meeting with the President. With that announcement, everyone stood and left, again offering their congratulations to Harm. Commander Manetti escorted him back to the main entrance, from which Harm could find his way to his car and the hopefully quick drive home.
Sycamore Street – Falls Church, Virginia
1816 Eastern
Harm had just arrived home, to find Mattie working on homework at the kitchen table. Taking a moment, he stopped to check on what she was studying before continuing to the refrigerator for something to drink. Removing a bottle of tomato juice, he poured a glass and carried it to the table.
"You're late," was all Mattie said before looking up at him.
"Sorry, got caught in a meeting," Harm told her.
"At least you got here before Ms. LeMoyne did."
"Mattie, I said I was sorry. When the boss says to meet him, I can't tell him 'Sorry, Sir, but I have other things to do'."
Whatever Mattie might have replied was lost to the sound of the doorbell. Harm quickly went to answer it, putting a smile on his face before he pulled the door open.
"Good evening," Harm told the woman who faced him.
"I'm Donna LeMoyne, from Children's Services. Are you Harmon Rabb?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Please, come in."
"Thank you," was all the woman said as she stepped inside, taking a look around the portion of the house that she could see.
"May I take your coat, Ma'am? Mattie's in the kitchen working on homework," Harm said, pointing the way.
Handing over her coat before walking that way, she saw Mattie writing something down before looking back at the book opened in front of her.
"Hello, Matilda," Ms. LeMoyne said, before Mattie stopped her.
"I prefer Mattie, please," Mattie said while looking over at them. "It's nice to meet you."
"Alright, Mattie. You know why I'm here, to make certain that this is a suitable environment for a teenage girl to be brought up in. So, why don't you tell me why you want to live with Commander Rabb?"
"Because I trust him, Ma'am. There have been plenty of times where Harm could have abandoned me, left me to take care of myself and he never has. He's looked after me, making sure that I have everything I need. He's the one who got me back into school and he's always telling me that I need a good education for my future. But more than all that, I…I…I love him."
"I saw you hesitate to say that, Mattie. You don't need to be afraid to tell me you love him," Ms. LeMoyne told her.
"I'm not afraid of telling you, it's just that I've lost all the people I love and I don't want to lose Harm too," Mattie said, while Harm put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"And what about your father?"
"I hold him responsible for my mother's death and will never speak with him again."
Ms. LeMoyne and Harm exchanged a look at that statement and the finality in Mattie's voice. Harm gently shook his head, hoping that the social worker would leave the subject. But, it was not to be.
"Mattie, breaking all contact with your father is a big step…," was as far as Ms. LeMoyne got before Mattie let loose.
"He is responsible for my mother's death, for taking out loans that nearly cost me my inheritance and the company my mother built, then he ran off to find a bottle to crawl into and you want what, for me to go back to him? Open my arms and say 'I love you, Daddy'? Not going to happen, not now and not ever," Mattie exploded before jumping up from the table and running from the room. Harm was torn, knowing her needed to complete the interview with Ms. LeMoyne but also wanting to go and comfort Mattie.
"I'm sorry," Ms. LeMoyne said, slightly taken aback.
"It's still a very touchy subject for Mattie and it's something that she may need professional help with, at some point. I'm hoping that time and love will help, as well," Harm said.
"Why do you want guardianship of Mattie?"
"Because I happen to love her. She's smart, funny and hard working. No matter what, just being around her makes me feel better and at the same time, I understand some of what she's going through. I lost my father when I was 6, but I was lucky in that I had a mother who loved and supported me and a grandmother on whose farm I spent my summers. I want to give that to Mattie, the love and support that comes from family."
"And what about your career in the Navy?" Ms. LeMoyne asked. "Isn't it potentially dangerous?"
"Well, I'm currently a JAG, which is a lawyer, so my job isn't any more dangerous than being a lawyer in Washington, New York or Los Angeles. I've also been offered a couple of new postings that would be staff positions, which would take me even further from danger."
Ms. LeMoyne studied Harm's face for a long moment before nodding her head.
"Commander Rabb, I have to say you're a refreshing change from most of the people I interview. I can see that you genuinely love that young lady and she obviously adores you, I think you're very good for each other and I'll report that to Judge Morten."
"Thank you, Ma'am," Harm said as she got up. He walked her to the door, which they reached just in time for a knock on the other side.
"I'm positive that Morgan," Ms. LeMoyne said, a smile on her face, as she collected her coat while Harm opened the door.
"Hello, is this the Rabb residence," asked an older gentleman.
"Come on in, Morgan. I'm just leaving, this is Commander Rabb. Commander, this is Morgan Watley and he'll be doing the home inspection," Ms. LeMoyne told the two men as she stepped outside.
"Mr. Watley, where would you like to begin? Top to bottom or bottom to top?" Harm asked.
"How about we start with Ms. Johnson's room, then proceed from there. I don't really need the grand tour, you see. Just to make sure she's safe, with an acceptable living space and well looked after."
Leading the way, Harm showed Mr. Watley upstairs and down the hall to Mattie's room. Seeing the door closed, he knocked and waited. A couple of seconds later, Mattie opened the door and let them in. Harm was impressed, as he could see no sign that the teen had been crying. What he didn't know was that Mattie had done what Beth had shown her how to do to remove the evidence.
Mr. Watley looked around the room and was impressed to see that Mattie had her own bathroom. A couple of minutes more were spent with him examining the power outlets and lights, then he and Harm left the bedroom and went downstairs. Here, he looked through the kitchen and pantry, noting the healthy foods that were stocked along with surprisingly few junk foods. He also looked into the living room and family room, before going into the basement to check the furnace and laundry room. With that, he was finished, except for a few questions for Harm.
"I didn't notice much in the way of kid foods?"
"Oh, I get a few that Mattie likes, but I'm trying to encourage her towards healthier choices. So, that's why there's yogurts and fruits over chips and cookies."
"I saw on your application that you're in the Navy. Do you have any firearms in the house?" Mr. Watley asked.
"Yes, I have a registered handgun. It's kept in a locked case in the closet of my bedroom," Harm told him.
"Do you consider that safe, with a child in the house?"
"Mr. Watley, it is locked up and I have the only key."
"Very well, Commander. Just understand that I will have to include that information in my report to the court," Mr. Watley told Harm.
"Of course," is all Harm said as he escorted Mr. Watley to the door. "Have a good evening."
With the visitors of the evening finished, Harm went into the kitchen and began to fix a late dinner for himself and Mattie. He elected to go with spaghetti and garlic bread, along with salads. While the water was set to boil, he cleared the table of Mattie's homework and carried it into the dining room. Then he set the table and got out a soda for her and a bottle of mineral water for himself.
When the food was ready, Harm called Mattie down to eat. The events of the day led to a relatively silent meal. Then Mattie left the room to finish up her homework, while Harm cleared away the wreckage and started the dish washer. That done, he went upstairs and changed into sweats before picking up his old guitar and starting to play for a couple of hours. Finally, he went to bed and tried to sleep.